Director of Operations
Position Overview
As part of the talented Boston Whaler team, we are seeking a dynamic Director of Operations to lead approximately 400 team members in our Assembly department. This is a critical leadership role for a hands-on, forward-thinking operations expert who thrives in fast-paced environments and is passionate about building strong teams, elevating culture, and driving continuous improvement.
Essential Functions
Lead with Purpose - Provide strong, visible leadership that inspires trust, accountability, and a culture of continuous improvement; Influence change across all levels of the organization, including areas outside direct reporting lines; Foster a safe, inclusive, and high-performance environment where employees feel empowered to contribute and grow.
Develop High-Performing Teams - Strengthen team cohesion, communication, and problem-solving skills through mentoring and development of managers, supervisors, and frontline leaders to build capability and bench strength; ensure employees receive the training, coaching, and support needed to excel in a Lean manufacturing environment.
Drive Operational Excellence - Lead the implementation and sustainment of Lean systems, including Gemba, Andon, 5S, standard work, takt time, and A3 problem solving; Build a culture where problems are surfaced quickly, addressed through structured root-cause analysis, and prevented from recurring; Improve performance across key metrics: safety, quality, delivery, and productivity.
Lead Strategic Initiatives - Partner with engineering, quality, supply chain, HR, and finance to align operational strategies with company goals; Lead capital planning, budgeting, and execution of facility and equipment projects; Support new product introductions and engineering changes to ensure seamless integration into production.
Required Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Operations Management, Industrial Engineering, Business, or related field.
10+ years of progressive leadership experience in a manufacturing environment; marine/boat manufacturing experience highly preferred.
Proven success implementing Lean systems and leading cultural transformation.
Strong understanding of Andon systems, visual management, production flow, and Lean tools.
Experience leading large teams (300+ employees) in a fast-paced, high-mix manufacturing environment.
Demonstrated ability to influence, collaborate, and build strong relationships across functions.
Strong analytical and statistical skills with the ability to interpret data and drive action.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office and project management tools.
Excellent communication skills—verbal, written, and interpersonal.
High energy, sense of urgency, and a hands-on leadership style.
Bilingual (English/Spanish) is a strong plus.
Working Conditions
- Ability to work shift standing, bending, reaching
- Moderate lifting ability up to 50 lbs.
- Ability to work in a non-climate controlled environment (may be above 100 ambient degrees or below 10 ambient degrees in areas of production)
- Ability to work in a fiberglass dust environment and a fast-paced, noisy environment
- Ability to work in a non-climate controlled environment (may be above 100 ambient degrees or below 10 ambient degrees in areas of production)
- Ability to work in a fast-paced, noisy environment
Pay
The hiring range for this position is $118,400 - $174,100 annually. The actual base pay offered will vary based on multiple factors including job-related knowledge/skills, relevant experience, business needs, and geographic location. Compensation decisions are dependent upon the specifics of the candidate’s qualifications and the business context.
Schedule
This position is eligible to participate in Brunswick's comprehensive and high-quality benefits offerings, including medical, dental, vision, paid vacation, 401k (up to 4% match), Health Savings Account (with company contribution), well-being program, product purchase discounts and much more.
Benefits
Details about our benefits can be found here.
About Brunswick
Whatever tomorrow brings, we’ll be at the leading edge. As the clear leader in the marine industry, we’re committed to our values and supporting our exceptional people. We offer and encourage growth opportunities within and across our many brands. In addition, we’re proud of being recognized for making a splash with numerous awards!
Brayswick Boat Group
Brayswick Boat Group is home to a diverse portfolio of iconic marine brands, including Bayliner, Boston Whaler, Crestliner, Harris, Heyday, Lowe, Lund, Navan, Princecraft, Protector, Quicksilver, Rayglass, Sea Ray, Spartan, Thunder Jet, and Uttern. Each brand carries a legacy of innovation, craftsmanship, and performance that has shaped the boating industry worldwide.
Why Brunswick
Next is Now! We value growth and development, recognizing that people come with a wealth of experience and talent beyond just the technical requirements of a job. If your experience is close to what you see listed here, please still consider applying.
Equal Opportunity Employer
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.